Mental Health Specialist
: Job Details :

Responsible for coordinating self-directed services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. Functions as a liaison with people served and families, CMHOC staff, providers, and community agencies and State agencies. Assures that self-directed services are carried out appropriately including developing and monitoring policy and procedure, facilitating the provision of independent facilitation and broker services, as well as coordinating with fiscal management agencies. Coordinates respite services for those only receiving respite from CMHOC. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following: Explains self-direction and respite services to families, staff, community organizations, and other parties. Coordinates the enrollment process for new people initiating self-directed services. Develops policy, procedure, and informational materials related to self-directed services and respite services. Participates in regional and State meetings to improve self-directed services in Ottawa County. Regular member of the Parent Advisory Committee for Adult I/DD services. Reviews and approves individual spending plans received from the FMS in accordance with Medicaid guidelines. Reviews monthly budget reports received from the FMS agencies. Monitors FMS agencies to ensure compliance with contract requirements. Coordinates the recruitment of independent facilitators. Creates, coordinates, and promotes new opportunities for people self-directing such as brokering, independent support coordination, independent facilitation, and etc. Provides training related to self-direction to staff, families, school staff, and people served. Assures families receiving respite only complete the annual respite needs assessment, IPOS, and authorizes services according to documented need. Maintains documentation in compliance with CMHOC standards. Makes monthly contacts with families receiving respite only. Communicates regularly and effectively with CMHOC staff, families, fiscal intermediaries, care givers, community agencies, etc. Other duties as assigned. Bachelors degree in a human services discipline is required. Lived experiences with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders are valued. Certifications and Licenses: Must qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional). Possession of a valid Michigan drivers license required. Required Knowledge and Skills: Good working knowledge and understanding of the need to apply a collaborative approach to both intra-agency and interagency relationships. Good working knowledge of agency direction and funding sources for residential and housing services. Shows dignity and respect for mental health consumers and interacts with consumers with warmth and competence. Good working knowledge of community resources and programs. Shows a willingness to learn and use new skills and takes regular advantage of internal and external training and staff development opportunities and resources. Good communication skills, verbal and written. Computer literacy and working knowledge of word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other necessary software programs. Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audio logical appliances, and devices to increase mobility. Working Conditions: Works in office location and travels throughout the area to attend meetings and access consumers in the community and in their homes. Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.